Health News For South West

The influenza outbreak which was announced on February 1, 2019 at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) - Stratford General Hospital site on the Medicine Unit has been declared over.

With no new hospital-acquired influenza cases since declaring the outbreak, the status was lifted in consultation with the Perth District Health Unit.

“Special thanks are extended to our team members, the Perth District Health Unit and to the community for the support during the outbreak,” says Anne Campbell, Vice President Partnerships & Chief Nursing Executive. “Outbreaks are stressful for everyone involved and I commend our team for their hard work and dedication to patient safety. I also thank our patients and their families for their cooperation during this time.”

Visitor restrictions have been lifted but visitors and families are reminded that if they aren’t feeling well, they should postpone their visit in any area of the hospital, unless for compassionate or palliative reasons. This is a guideline that should be followed year-round, not just in flu season.

“Another important thing to remember when visiting a loved one in the hospital is to always use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer provided to wash your hands when you enter and leave the hospital and upon entering and leaving the patient’s room,” adds Campbell.